By A Correspondent

Advertising self-regular Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has responded to the government’s move to ban condom advertising from 6am to 10pm.

Shweta Purandare

Said Shweta Purandare, Secretary General, ASCI on the development: “It is important to highlight that condom advertisements meant for family viewing, which disseminate health benefits or propagate information on safe sex practices, the implementation of which can diminish accidental pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) / HIV continue to be allowed to air without restriction. The condom advertisements that have come under watershed hour restriction are the ones which lean on sexual innuendos which could be violating certain provisions of Cable TV Act’s Advertising Code. Advertisements that were complained against were not about HIV protection, prevention of teenage pregnancy or population control. Instead, they focussed on sexual titillation, highlighting product flavours or features, which made them embarrassing and distasteful to be viewed, especially in the presence of children during family viewing hours. As these advertisements were not objectionable for viewing by adults, they could be aired during the watershed hours. ASCI welcomes this move which provides a pragmatic solution addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.”